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Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

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Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#1
... or am I missing something?

Perhaps this problem is not common in your area, but here and in many urban/suburban settings in California, there is a huge problem with delivered packages being stolen from doorways and porches.

In many cases, thieve(s) simply follow delivery trucks (UPS, FedEx, USPS) and pluck packages shortly after delivery. But it seems to me that there is a simple mechanism that would limit the other, more-common cases of trolling neighborhoods for left packages.

What if everybody left a dummy package outside their door? For example, a simple box with a bogus label and weighty contents would do the trick; ideally, a box with retail branding (such as Amazon or others with recognizable logo). (I am not suggesting anything toxic or dangerous, just worthless stuff that provides an appropriate look and feel.)

Am I missing something? If such a simple countermeasure was widely practiced, the sheer risk ratio could at least provide a low-cost deterrent.

Obviously, the better solution would be bait packages with tracking devices that would alert law enforcement when moved and serve as probable cause for searches... but in my area, at least, property crime generally gets no attention from law enforcement.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#2
Your solution itself is very simple, but getting everyone in a neighborhood to agree to put out fake packages is very difficult.

Also, a cardboard box that's left outside as a decoy for several days would soon deteriorate, and would need to be replaced in order to look realistic (a soggy old box on a dry day wouldn't be convincing). If someone doesn't order merchandise by mail, they would (1) have little incentive to participate in this activity and (2) have no ready source of cardboard boxes to do it with even if they wanted to.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#5
This makes me think about low tech solutions to the problem. What about a simple box (maybe 1 meter cube) that is unlocked until it is closed. Once closed, it must be opened with a key. A simple plate on the top can explain to the delivery man to place close the door when a package is placed inside, not very complicated. It doesn't scale to >1 package a day, but it is something.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#9
Always found this problem quite interesting. In the UK, parcels are rarely if ever left on the porch. If you aren't in there's a few options: a) they deliver it to a neighbour and post a card through your door saying "it's been left at number X"; b) they leave it in a safe space (typically throw it over your garden fence); or c) return it to the delivery office for you to specify when to redeliver or pick it up yourself.

Can anyone shed any light as to why (a) doesn't seem to be used in the US?

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